Name: Ben Burridge Year in School: Sophomore Major: Economics Years Playing Rugby: 16 (UK) Rugby Position: Outside Center
Team captain
Why did you choose your school?
I chose Siena because it seemed like a good way to break into rugby in the US. The academics were excellent and the rugby programme was in the making. I put my faith in Greg (Director of Rugby) and he delivered.
What was your process of being recruited?
I worked through a recruitment agent and had several schools show interest, but the hospitality showed by Greg, the mission that way laid out for Siena rugby, and their determination to succeed was a winner. We spoke on the phone, and he answered all my questions. So for me, it was a no-brainer.
What are your favorite parts about being a member of the rugby program?
The community, I love having people around me who look out for me and who have my best interest at heart. Whether it’s my teammates, the women's team, or coaches….it’s a family.
What are your favorite parts about being a student at your school?
I like how things are structured. I also enjoy the communal areas that were designed with students in mind. Everything is driven toward the student experience. It enables us to be ourselves and enjoy the campus to the fullest.
How do you balance schoolwork and rugby?
Regime. Personally, I need a strict structure to my day in order to get all my work done and be able to give my all on and off the pitch. Having coaches who communicate well is key as the week is already set out for us and we keep our
academic day fairly clear with practice. This allows me to get my work done on time and to a good standard.
What does a typical day and/or week look like?
Our weeks consist of 3 early morning gym sessions, starting around 6 am, and 3 evening training sessions. A typical day would be 5:40, wake up, hit the gym with the team, followed by a hearty breakfast. After that it’s back to my house to get ready for classes. Once classes are done, it’s usually time for practice, and after that a team feed at
Casey’s.
What’s the biggest challenge about playing rugby at your school?
Location in terms of access to coaches. Rugby isn’t huge in Albany, which means, at times, we are a little short-handed with coaches of a Division level… We are very lucky to have an international head coach and Director of Rugby who are both local.
Besides rugby, what else are you involved in on campus?
Rugby takes up a lot of my time as I also help volunteer coach. I prefer to be engulfed in rugby, but I still manage to work in the admissions department a couple of hours a week. There are lots of things to do on campus; there are always events and activities that are driven toward the student experience, and there is always something going on at Siena.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with a high school player who is interested in your school?
Siena has a great rugby atmosphere. The banter is dangerously high, and we enjoy what we do.
School Website: https://www.siena.edu/ Men's Team Website: https://sienasaints.com/sports/rug Women's Team Website: https://sienasaints.com/sports/rug Head Coach Greg Matthew: gmatthew@siena.edu
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